King of New York Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "King of New York" is delivered in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a VC-1 encode that hovers around an average bitrate of 20Mbps. This high-definition transfer, courtesy of Lionsgate, showcases a solid effort in bringing the 1990 classic to the modern era of home cinema. Despite the presence of film wear and natural graininess inherent to the source material, this release excels in maintaining sharp images, pristine flesh tones, and an exemplary color balance. Blacks are deep without loss of detail in darker scenes, avoiding the pitfalls of black crush, while ensuring that contrast levels remain balanced and never overextended. The visual fidelity is further accentuated in well-lit sequences, where the myriad of details, from textures to the nuanced colors of the New York Cityscape, are vividly captured.

Notably, specific scenes, such as the subway confrontation between Frank White and the lead detective, stand out for their authentic depiction of the NYC subway environment—capturing the dim lighting, the reddish hue of the trains, and the metallic elements with an almost tactile realism. The transfer shines in preserving the film’s gritty and stylized atmosphere without succumbing to compression artifacts or other digital nuisances. However, it's important to acknowledge certain limitations; despite enhancements over previously released DVDs, wide shots of the city lack some definition, a common trait among catalogue titles from the '80s and '90s era. Additionally, some viewers might find the color palette somewhat muted, particularly in scenes demanding vibrant hues, which, alongside occasional issues with black levels and print imperfections, suggests areas where this transfer does not fully meet contemporary expectations.

In summary, the Blu-ray outing for "King of New York" is characterized by its competent handling of fine details and color reproduction, creating a visually pleasing experience that respects the film's original aesthetic. While it showcases significant improvements over past editions and successfully captures the movie’s iconic moments with clarity and authenticity, there remains a noticeable disparity in certain aspects of the visual presentation. These include variable black levels and a somewhat subdued color palette that may not appeal to all audiences. Nonetheless, for fans seeking to experience Abel Ferrara's gritty masterpiece with a level of clarity and authenticity unmatched by prior DVD releases, this Blu-ray edition represents a worthwhile endeavor.

The Blu-ray release of 'King of New York' employs a DTS HD High-Resolution 6.1 surround track alongside a traditional Dolby Digital EX 5.1 surround option, reflecting a curious choice in Lionsgate's approach to audio quality. While the utilization of the DTS HD HR codec at a 3.0Mbps high bitrate is noteworthy for its ability to deliver superior sound compared to legacy lossy codecs, the actual execution reveals a nuanced auditory experience. The mix is commendably clear, with dialogue sharply pronounced and environmental sounds authentically placed across the front channels. However, when scrutinized against contemporary expectations, the audio appears somewhat subdued and constrained, particularly in dynamic scenes where the lower frequencies and early-90s Hip-Hop segments show promise through effective subwoofer engagement.

While the soundtrack boasts an admirable clarity and balance, particularly with Joe Delia's intense film score, it does not fully escape its age-related limitations. Explosive effects and higher frequencies exhibit a notable lack of depth, occasionally bordering on tinny. This is further compounded by an ambient sound that could benefit from a more pronounced presence in the surround channels, thereby enriching the film's atmospheric qualities. Critics may pinpoint the narrow soundstage and occasional reliance on front channels for environmental acoustics as missed opportunities to vivify Abel Ferrara's depiction of New York with a more enveloping and immersive sonic landscape.

In essence, while Lionsgate's choice of an elevated bitrate DTS HD HR codec for 'King of New York' brings certain technical merits, the overall auditory experience reflects a blend of clarity and limitation. The rendition is certainly competent, presenting the film's dialogue and score with fidelity, yet it lingers within the shadows of what modern high-definition audio tracks can accomplish. The mix could potentially elevate its immersion factor through enhanced use of ambient sounds and a firmer grasp on low-frequency dynamics, thereby offering a more compelling auditory complement to the film's visual narrative.

The "King of New York" Blu-ray extras provide an intriguing, albeit mixed, batch of supplemental content that ranges from insightful to eccentric. The two audio commentary tracks stand out for different reasons: one features director Abel Ferrara's controversial and at times egotistical insights, often criticizing others and praising his own work, while the second offers a more technical and informative perspective from producer Mary Kane, editor Anthony Redman, composer Joe Delia, and associate producer Randy Sabusawa. The documentaries, including "A Short Film about the Long Career of Abel Ferrara" and "The Adventures of Schooly D: Snowboarder," offer valuable context and depth, exploring Ferrara's filmmaking career and the impact of Schooly D's music on the film's legacy. These pieces, along with the usual assortment of trailers, TV spots, and a music video, ensure that there’s something for both fans of the film and those interested in its production and cultural impact. However, most of the content is presented in standard definition, reflecting a missed opportunity to fully update this special edition for a modern audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Abel Ferrara: Ferrara's unique take on the film's production and his confrontational opinions.
• Audio Commentary with Producer Mary Kane, Editor Anthony Redman, Composer Joe Delia, Associate Producer Randy Sabusawa: Offers a more technical breakdown of the film.
• A Short Film about the Long Career of Abel Ferrara: A documentary providing insights into Ferrara's filmmaking journey.
• The Adventures of Schooly D: Snowboarder: Examines the influence of Schooly D's music on "King of New York".
• Schooly D Music Video: Featuring music by the influential rapper from the movie.
• TV Spots and Trailers: Includes original and promotional trailers for "King of New York" and other films.

Abel Ferrara's "King of New York" emerges as a polarizing force; a dark, gritty retelling of the Robin Hood mythology set against the unforgiving urban sprawl of New York City. Headlined by Christopher Walken's magnetic portrayal of the enigmatic drug lord Frank White, the narrative dives deep into the underbelly of the city's crime world. With a supporting cast featuring Laurence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, Steve Buscemi, and David Caruso, the film boasts of performances that add layers to its already complex tapestry. Released in 1990 amidst controversy, including an initial X rating from the MPAA that was trimmed down to secure an R rating, "King of New York" has since navigated its way towards cult status, thanks in part to its adoption by the gangsta rap community.

At its core, the film endeavors to paint Frank White as a modern-day outlaw with noble intentions, using his ill-gotten gains to fund a hospital for the poor. Yet, this intention is juxtaposed with his ruthless extermination of rival crime lords and the consequential spiral of violence that ensnares the city. While aiming to provide commentary on race and class divisions, "King of New York" often muddles its message beneath layers of glorified violence and a somewhat superficial exploration of its themes. The cinematography, capturing New York's nocturnal essence and the grim interiors of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, lends an authentic backdrop to the unfolding drama.

Despite its ambitious overtones and Walken's standout performance, "King of New York" grapples with its identity, wavering between being a hard-hitting crime saga and an in-depth character study. Its narrative aspirations are frequently undercut by an overreliance on action sequences and a lack of moral introspection regarding its protagonist's deeds. While director Abel Ferrara presents a film that is visually compelling and occasionally thought-provoking, it wrestles with coherence, striving to achieve a balance between style and substance. Nonetheless, for those enthralled by '90s action cinema and character-driven narratives, "King of New York" offers a unique, albeit flawed, glimpse into a bygone era of filmmaking.

The Blu-ray presentation of "King of New York" offers an intriguing yet polarizing experience, reflective of the film's initial reception and ongoing discourse among audiences and critics alike. Directed by Abel Ferrara, the movie provides a gritty, modern twist on the Robin Hood mythology, situating itself within a dark, corrupt, and violence-riddled depiction of late-80s/early-90s New York City. This high-definition release shines in its visual representation, capturing the essence of Ferrara's vision with considerable clarity and detail, although it marginally improves upon previous DVD transfers. The audio presentation, however, leaves something to be desired, failing to fully complement the film's intense atmosphere and dramatic depth.

In terms of extras, enthusiasts of Ferrara's work will appreciate the carryover of supplements from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD, offering further insight into the film's production and thematic explorations. Despite these benefits, the overall technical execution of the Blu-ray does not entirely match the film's ambitious narrative and stylistic choices. Viewers may find the audio quality lacking in richness and vibrance, which could potentially detract from the immersive experience one would expect from a high-definition release.

Conclusively, while "King of New York" remains a seminal piece in Ferrara's filmography and an important cultural artifact from its era, the Blu-ray edition presents a mixed bag. The superb visual fidelity does justice to the film’s aesthetic, but the underwhelming audio tracks may leave aficionados wanting more. Given the divisive nature of the film itself and the slight improvements over previous formats, it is advisable to approach this release with measured expectations. Potential buyers might consider renting before committing to a purchase, weighing their own appreciation for visual enhancements against audio presentation shortcomings.